A discussion of one particular form of artistic inhibition, where artists misuse their art form in order to deaden unbearable emotions. Great works of art have dimension; they contain and express vital human truths. Unsuccessful works of art created in this defensive manner instead deaden emotion, rendering it “flat”, “two-dimensional” or lacking in depth.
Category: Defense Mechanisms
The most prominent psychological defense mechanisms, including repression, denial, idealization, splitting and projection. This is the category for you.
Defenses Against Shame
Narcissism, blaming and contempt — the three core defenses against shame — are illustrated with clinical material from the author’s psychotherapy practice.
Hatred and Anger as Glue
Outbursts of rage and anger may reflect an underlying fear of psychological disintegration.
Breathe More, Think Less
Excessive verbal thought prevents you from coming into contact with your actual experience.
Your Emotional Playlist
Through internal dialogs and scenarios, we can induce particular emotional states within ourselves, without any outside source of stimulation.